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Bolivia Residency Options at a Glance
Bolivia's immigration system is simpler than most South American countries. The primary pathway for expats is the Specific Purpose Visa, obtained from a Bolivian consulate before entry, which serves as the gateway to all residency categories. Unlike many countries, Bolivia does not require proof of high income or large investments for basic residency — making it accessible to a wide range of expats.
- Tourist entry: 90 days visa-free for most nationalities (US citizens require a visa or pay reciprocity fee)
- Specific Purpose Visa (Visa de Objeto Determinado): required gateway to all residency applications — obtained at a consulate
- Government fees (2026): BOB 1,350 (~$195) for 1-year temporary residency; BOB 3,920 (~$565) for 2-year term; financial means ~$300/mo
- 2026 digital portal: Bolivia launched a new online residency portal with mandatory biometric registration for first-time applicants; integrates tax-status verification at renewal
- Temporary Residency: 1-year permit, renewable annually — available for work, retirement, investment, or family ties
- Permanent Residency: available after 2 continuous years of temporary residency
- Citizenship: available after 3 years of legal residency — one of the fastest in the Americas
- No specific digital nomad visa — remote workers typically enter on tourist visa or apply for residency